Become a Marine Biologist for a day with Ocean Rafting's Reef Seeker educational adventure - THE ORIGINAL AND MOST AWARDED TOUR IN THE WHITSUNDAYS!
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THE ORIGINAL AND MOST AWARDED TOUR IN THE WHITSUNDAYS!
Become a Marine Biologist for a day
with Ocean Rafting’s Reef Seeker
educational adventure.
INTRODUCTION
Explore the ‘Wild Side’ of the Whitsundays
and Great Barrier Reef with multi award-
winning Ocean Rafting and our Reef Seeker
educational package!
Join our Eco Hosts, Master Reef Guides Rest and relax on the picturesque silica
and Marine Biologists on an interpretive sands of Whitehaven Beach, whilst you
and hands-on guide to the Ecological, enjoy a fresh tropical lunch and engage
Biological, Cultural and Geological beauties with our experienced crew during an
of this World Heritage Listed paradise. interactive question and answer session.
With personalised guided snorkelling With a focus on education and learning,
tours, you will have the opportunity to this inspiring and hands-on tour is
collect valuable data and learn about key perfect for any reef enthusiast to get a
species, reef threats and the vast diversity real taste of being a Marine Biologist and
of the Great Barrier Reef, with your Eco-Warrior for the day!
findings contributing to the Great Barrier
Reef Marine Park authority’s monitoring Ocean Rafting’s exclusive access and
program, ‘Eye on the Reef’. permits to Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach
and top snorkelling spots will give you
Enjoy the paradise of Hill Inlet and the ultimate Whitsunday and Great
Whitehaven Beach with a guided Barrier Reef experience!
and informative bushwalk from the
mangrove shallows, to the iconic look-
outs over the famous swirling sands of
Hill Inlet.
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EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW LEARN ABOUT THE 4 KEY
THEMES OF OUR WORLD
HERITAGE WONDERLAND
Ocean Rafting’s Reef Seeker is an
educational tour designed to create
meaningful memories whilst connecting
you to the wonders of the Great Barrier
Reef Marine Park and Whitsunday Islands.
This experience includes:
• A fun, high energy day trip including
interpretive talks, epic marine life encounters BIODIVERSITY
and Ocean Rafting’s signature adrenaline Explore the incredible diversity
fuelled boat ride.
of the Great Barrier Reef.
• Small group guided snorkels with tuition and
assistance with collecting citizen science data.
• A structured 90 minute snorkel amongst the
beautiful fringing reefs of the Whitsunday
Islands.
• A comprehensive water safety brief and snorkel
tuition, including use of flotation devices.
• An introduction to Eye on the Reef and Rapid
Monitoring. ECOLOGICAL
Gain an understanding of fish
• Educational reef brief on key indicator species
and their significance.
identification and ecology.
• Opportunities to enjoy your own time whilst
snorkelling the reef.
• A scenic bush walk to the famous Hill Inlet
Lookouts overlooking the swirling white silica
sands of Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach.
• A guided beach and mangrove walk exploring
the different ecosystems and their inhabitants
including stingrays, juvenile lemon sharks and GEOLOGICAL
soldier crabs. Immerse yourself in the geological
• Up to an hour and a half to relax on the formation of the Whitsunday Islands.
tranquil Whitehaven Beach and enjoy a fresh
tropical lunch.
• A complimentary shuttle service to and from
Coral Sea Marina.
OPTIONAL EXTRA
1-hour workshop with our experienced crew
prior to the tour, providing extra insight and
background on the Reef Seeker content in CULTURAL
order to further enhance your Great Barrier Acknowledge the cultural
Reef experience. significance of the Whitsundays.
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What is Citizen Science?
Citizen Science can best be described as
scientific research being conducted by the
general public. That’s you! In a world that is
constantly changing, it has never been more
important to monitor places of outstanding
natural value. Ocean Rafting’s Reef Seeker
gives you the chance to connect with
the natural wonders of the Whitsundays,
whilst contributing significant information
directly to the Great Barrier Reef Marine
Park Authority (GBRMPA).
What is GBRMPA?
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
- or GBRMPA - is responsible for the
protection and care of the reef. They work
with a wide variety of partners, supporters
and advisors with the aim of conserving the
reef for future generations.
What is Eye on the Reef?
Eye on the Reef is a powerful monitoring
program that enables anyone who visits
the Great Barrier Reef to collect valuable
information on its health and report it
directly to GBRMPA.
What is Rapid Monitoring?
Rapid Monitoring is the official Citizen
Science method for the Great Barrier Reef
Marine Park Authority which offers visitors
an immersive educational experience
where you will learn about the fascinating
underwater world. Rapid Monitoring is
suitable for anyone! Led by a trained guide,
participants will be taken on an underwater
safari recording key coral reef health factors
as well as several iconic marine species.
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RAPID MONITORING
Rapid Monitoring
Observer name: Phone: Date:
25 cm
Ocean
Email: Rafting’s Reef Seeker program Organisation: Time:
will focus on the indicator species, why
Vessel: Observer category Reef Marine tourism Fisher Traditional
they are important and Surveyhow to identify
24
Number of visits experience (tick one): visitor industry owner
them as the key components
to a reef: (approximate number
of surveys completed):
during Other
(please specify)
23
a guided snorkelling tour. A more in-
depth
Reef ID (e.g.version
16-023): of Rapid Reef name:Monitoring Site:
22
can
Centrebe included
of survey: Lat: for more experienced S Long: E Marine Park Zone:
21
groups. See
Tick one GPS type:
(examples over page) intermediate
Decimal Degrees and
(preferred) advanced
Degrees Decimal Mins Degrees Min Sec Water temperature: °C
details
Survey type below.
(tick one): Snorkel Dive Viewing bucket
20
Survey depth: metres
Habitat type (circle one) Flood plume (circle one) Suspended algal bloom (circle one)
REEF SEEKER
Tide at survey (circle one) Visibility (circle one)
19
BEGINNER
LAGOON FLAT CREST SLOPE YES NO YES NO LOW MID HIGH 10m
(RED
See overSECTION)
18
Timed swim (10 minutes) page for survey methodology
ANIMALS TALLY TOTAL ANIMALS SIZE / SEX / TYPE TALLY 10 MINUTES TOTAL
17
Coral trout (all species)
Sea cucumber
(all species)
38cm identify indicator species and
16
understand their importance
Giant clam Maori Male
(larger than wrasse to the Marine Park.
15
size of hand)
Female
Anemonefish Turtle (all species) Green Turtle*
14
(all species)
Hawksbill Turtle*
Butterflyfish Other (please name)
13
(all species) * See images over page
Shark (all species) Whitetip reef shark
12
Grazing herbivores Blacktip reef shark
See definition
over page Other (please name)
11
Cods and groupers Crown-of- ≤ Size of hand
(over 50cm thorns
in length) starfish > Size of hand
10
360° survey (One 5 metre radius circle) See over page for information guide and survey methodology
9
BENTHOS CORAL IMPACTS (Complete 1, 2 and 3 below. Circle Y or N)
Insert % for each benthos 1 Is any coral white? Y/N 3 Is any rubbish present? Y/N
8
type to total 100%
If yes:
Macroalgae Is living coral tissue present? Y / N If yes: BLEACHING Number of pieces in survey area:
7
Fishing line Plastic
Live coral Is coral being eaten? Y / N If yes: PREDATION
MACROALGAE Netting Rope
6
Recently dead
coral (white) If yes, by what? How many seen? Other (please specify)
Live Crown-of-thorns starfish
5
coral rock Juveniles (size of hand or smaller)
Adults (larger than size of hand)
Coral rubble
4
LIVE CORAL Drupella snails (all sizes) IMPACT DETAILS
DUCK DIVER deep DIVER
Sand (How much bleaching, predation, disease,
3
Is coral banded in appearance? Y / N If yes: DISEASE damage? Other impacts?)
Total 100 %
INTERMEDIATE Is coral competing with
Y / N If yes: COMPETITION ADVANCED
2
something else?
PHOTOS TAKEN
(Please provide details (RED + BLUE SECTION)
RECENTLY DEAD CORAL CORAL ROCK
(ALL SECTIONS)
e.g. image no./name, what (includes dead coral) 2 Is any coral broken or damaged? Y / N
20THINGS
MINUTES
1
it is, and a description) 15 MINUTES OTHER OF INTEREST?
Reef Seeker component plus If yes: Reef(Mating,
Seeker andbehaviour,
spawning, Duck DIver
etc.)
identifying the different types What is the likely main cause? (Circle one) plus discover coral impacts
0
of habitats found on Storm Animal Vessel Anchor Divers Snorkellers including bleaching, disease
the GBR. Unknown Other: and predation, along with
CORAL RUBBLE SAND human impacts.
To submit your survey, go to www.gbrmpa.gov.au/eye-on-the-reef | Reply Paid PO Box 1379 Townsville QLD 4810 | Fax: (07) 4772 6093 | eyeonthereef@gbrmpa.gov.au
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The fun side of education - experience the Experienced and qualified crew. Snorkel close to
ultimate thrills on the ride of your life! the boat with access to flotation devices.
Certificate of completion, prizes and membership Guided snorkel with data collection exercise for
to our exclusive Rafting Squad*! GBRMPA. Use of underwater slate for data entry.
* membership to the Rafting Squad only available for guests 16 years and over.
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Fresh tropical lunch on the picture perfect Trained Master Reef Guides, Marine Biologists
Whitehaven Beach. and Eco Hosts!
Post snorkel Q&A with data entry to GBRMPA’s Access to Reef Seeker toolkit and educational
Eye on the Reef program. resources to inspire students.
Guided and interpretive bushwalk to Hill Inlet Free time to explore the GBR with guides. Extra
lookouts and mangrove and shallows ecosystem. time for species and threat identification.
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Multi award-winning Ocean Rafting is proud to
offer the Whitsundays’ only dedicated education
program! Our passionate crew endeavour to
pass on our love and knowledge of the local
environment. We are an Advanced Ecotourism
Accredited operator with a strong commitment
to environmental sustainability for over 20 years.
Want to keep seeking? Our Reef Seeker edutourism
Reef Seeker is a citizen science program designed experience is also available in the heart of the
for almost everyone. Whether you’re a student, Daintree Rainforest, with our sister company Ocean
Safari. From the rainforest to the outer Great Barrier
family, corporate or social group, Reef Seeker is
Reef, discover the World Heritage listed wonders of
a flexible experience that can be adapted to suit
this ancient paradise.
you. It has been broken down into three ability
levels; Reef Seeker, Duck Diver and Deep Diver so Eat, stay and play with Ocean Safari, Safari Lodge and
that whether you’re a keen amateur or complete Turtle Rock Cafe!
reef enthusiast you can have a fun, educational
experience in the Whitsundays! Visit www.oceansafari.com.au/eco for more!
PRICE WHAT TO BRING
Due to the unique nature of this product, price • Swimmers.
will be determined based on the group size and • A beach bag with a towel, hat and shoes.
requirements. We can happily tailor a quote to suit • A jacket during winter to protect you from wind
your group’s needs. and for warmth after snorkelling.
1-hour workshop additional cost. • Cameras in a waterproof case.
• Notepaper and pen.
ITINERARY Most importantly, a sense of adventure and
Pick-up/Check-in at Coral Sea Marina - 8:00am willingness to learn!
Safety Brief/Departure - 8:30am
Return to Coral Sea Marina - 4:00pm
Itinerary and times are subject to prior consultation, based on
the suitability of your group. Please note, tides and weather
may impact timings.
For more information about our Reef
Terms & Conditions
To confirm Ocean Rafting Reef Seeker charter, a 50% deposit is due at the time of
Seeker Experience or to book...
booking. The remaining 50% is due 5 days prior to travel. This payment can be made
via Credit Card or Bank Deposit. (A 1.5% credit card surcharge applies).
All fares are inclusive of Marine Park fees, National Park fees & GST. Sites are weather
& tide permitting. Ocean Rafting reserves the right to arrange an alternative itinerary
when necessary. Liability: Clients should note that adventure travel involves risk.
tours@oceanrafting.com.au Whilst we make every effort to safeguard our clients, we cannot be held responsible
for personal injury or loss due to the actions of the clients which are beyond our
control. Tours are not suitable for guests with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries
or who are pregnant. Minimum age 6 months. A signed release will be required from
all participants on departure. We recommend you take out travel insurance. Fitness
(07) 4946 6848 & Heath: Although good health and a positive attitude are essential, you do not need
any prior experience to partake in any of the activities and tours. Ocean Rafting may
use photographs of our clients in promotional material, including but not limited
to social media, however if you do not consent please advise Ocean Rafting. Please
www.oceanrafting.com.au
reconfirm your booking 48 hours prior.
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